10000 flowers to decorate royal barge

10000 flowers to decorate royal barge The Royal barge will be decked out with nearly 10,000 flowers and 600 plants as it carries the Queen down the Thames. A giant "E" for Elizabeth has been formed from 1500 St Paulia flowers and 400 Patience roses, while a knot garden featuring 200 clipped, mature box plants has also been made. The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry are also expected to be on the barge. Five varieties of herbs will be utilised to create a scented English country garden onboard, with 300 bunches of English lavender, 20 bunches of rosemary and 100 bunches of bay to make the vessel a feast for the eyes and nose. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be at the Queen's side as she receives the well wishes of up to a million spectators expected to line the river banks and open spaces. The creation has taken 20 gardeners seven months to plan and grow. Ninety garlands, each about two metres tall, will festoon the vessel. Gardening presenter Rachel de Thame has created the floral designs for the royal barge, a luxury cruiser called the Spirit of Chartwell, with the guide of Mark Fane, who has built 20 gold medal-winning gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show and floral designer and artist, Kitty Arden, whose clients include Mario Testino and Stella McCartney. 10000 flowers to decorate royal barge Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 03/06/2012